Police are drawing up contingency plans in case the TT
is cancelled. The motorbike festival is the force's busiest period and planning
for this year's event is already well advanced. But with the possibility it
won't go ahead officers are having to rethink preparations.

Chief
Inspector Dave Bell, who is in charge of operations, said: 'We are planning
in the normal way, but we have also had to draw up contingency plans for
different scenarios. 'The expectation is that, even if it is cancelled, a
number of people will come. We have to have some contingency planning for what
we'll do in that event.' He said officers are in discussion with the Department
of Tourism and Leisure about what entertainment will be laid on for visitors if
the event doesn't go-ahead.

Mr Bell said a large number of visitors
arriving in the Island without the usual TT attractions, including the racing,
entertainment and special events, will present new challenges. 'The
difficulties will depend on what level of entertainment there is,' he said.
'The officers' biggest problems will be if a number of motorcyclists turn up
and the only thing open for them to use is the open roads. 'That could present
problems.

We depend on the entertainment to reduce the level of
vehicles on the road at any one time. 'If there wasn't the supporting
entertainment traffic would be running at a higher level. 'We are looking at it
on a daily basis and eagerly awaiting news.'